Mayor Sees 'Leverage' for Successor Dealing With Unions

Critics Fault Mayor for Leaving Bargaining Units Without Contracts

For many in New York, the fact that all 152 of the city's public-employee bargaining units are working under expired contracts represents a failure of the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

But Mr. Bloomberg, in a speech Tuesday that drew sharp criticism, said the unusual labor situation had created an "unprecedented opportunity" for the next mayor to demand pension and health-care overhauls.